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BRIEF SKETCH 



OF 






ABIGAIL EROWNEi 



OF 



SALEM, MASS 



See here thy pictured life ; pass some few years, 

Thy flowering Spring, thy Summer's ardent strength, 

Thy sober Autumn fading into age, 

And pale concluding Winter comes at last, 

And shuts the scene. . . . Virtue sole survives. 

Immortal, never-failing friend to man, 

His guide to happiness on high. Thomson. 



BOSTON : 

S. K. WHIPPLE & CO 
1 852. 



BRIEF SKETCH ffi 

OF 

ABIGAIL BROWNE, 

OP 

SALEM, MASS. 



See here thy pictured life ; pass some few years, 

Thy flowering Spring, thy Summer's ardent strength, 

Thy sober Autumn fading into age, 

And pale concluding Winter comes at last, 

And shuts the scene. . . . Virtue sole survives, 

Immortal, never-failing friend to man, 

His guide to happiness on high. Thomson. 



BOSTON : 

S. K. WHIPPLE & CO 
1852. 






CTHS 

CofyZ 



^J^"a£- . 



MAY 2 1916 



ABIGAIL BROWNE 



Welcome, dear grandchildren. At my 
invitation, you have come to spend a win- 
ter's evening with me. It is freezing cold 
without, but comforts are all around us. 
While our hearts feel for the suffering poor, 
we should be thankful to our divine Pro- 
tector, for his constant mercies towards us. 
We are now favored with an opportunity 
to exchange our social sympathies more 
fully, than when on pleasant visits at your 
parents' house, with a company of their 
friends. 

You have occasionally heard me relate 
short biographies of individuals of differ- 
ent ages, characters and conditions. On 
such occasions, it has been my desire 



and purpose to impress thoughts on your 
minds, which might encourage you to make 
the best improvement of your time and 
talents, as the necessary means of preparing 
you for the duties and events of the present 
and the future world. From my knowl- 
edge of your appearance and deportment at 
these exercises of your attention, I am 
assured, that it will be no irksome task for 
you to hear the following story. True, it 
is more particularly a religious one, than 
some others, which I have related to you. 
But this should be no objection on your 
part. We have spirits, which constantly 
need be made familiar with the obligation 
and experience of piety, as much as our 
bodies to know what is suited to their nour- 
ishment, and to partake of it as temperance 
dictates. Did we allow the great Physician 
of souls to free us from the palsy of error, 
the wonder with us would be, not that we 
occasionally speak of such subjects ; but 
that we suffer ourselves to be so very silent 
about them. The prophetic decree has 



gone forth, that a marked change, in this 
respect, shall be wrought throughout the 
world. May it be soon accomplished, so 
that the great mass of our race, young 
and old, may be raised from their low 
standard of mental habits and social con- 
versation. 

You have often read and heard, that ex- 
ample has great influence in the formation 
of character. You have seen this truth 
verified in some, who have suffered them- 
selves to be led away by the vicious, and 
in others, who have wisely imitated the 
virtuous. When it is good, it resembles 
the beacon light, that falls on the anxious 
vision of wanderers, helps them recover 
their lost course, and reach the homes of 
their desire and affection. But when it is 
evil, it is like the black and stormy cloud, 
which bewilders the traveler and leads him 
to the brink of a precipice, so that, with 
but one step more, he sinks and perishes 
in the gulf below. " Example draws 
where precept fails." 
1* 



These considerations induce me to grat- 
ify your curiosity by a sketch of one, who, 
many years ago, gave evidence of having 
found the pearl of great price. This is a 
discovery, far exceeding that of Columbus, 
which opened a Western Continent to 
his delighted eyes and to the longing 
desire of European millions. True, the 
estimation and conduct of most among our 
race, have never endorsed this remark as 
worthy of universal acceptance. But the 
truth of heaven, which is beyond all just 
dispute, does fully and frequently. Such 
authority should forever decide the ques- 
tion with us. 

The individual, so alluded to, was an 
inhabitant of our own native place. Her 
name was Abigail Browne. She was born 
in Salem, 1719. Like the fairest flower, 
cherished for its attractions of beauty and 
excellence, she was cut off in the morning 
of life. Before, however, we specially no- 
tice an event so sad to her surviving con- 
nections, do you wish for us to consider 



several other particulars, as to her immedi- 
ate relatives, privileges, and some customs 
of her day? You all answer in the affirm- 
ative. I will try to conform with your 
proper desire. 

Abigail belonged to a family, remarkable 
for their generous benefactions to this com- 
munity, in its concerns of charity, educa- 
tion and religion. These connections were 
noble specimens of the power, which true 
Puritanism, not its caricature, had over 
their minds, hearts and lives, so as to keep 
such gifts of Infinite goodness from the 
indulgence of sinful propensities, and raise 
them to the high, holy and happy standard, 
which they should ever hold. Though 
they long since passed away, the effects of 
their generous deeds will never perish. 
The purified gale, which courses by you, 
bears upon its wings the elements of health 
to the animal, and of verdure to the vege- 
table creation. Every object which it 
fans and influences, gives indications of its 
worthiness to be blessed. So with transi- 



8 

tory life, sanctified and filled with the 
fruits of beneficence. However gone be- 
yond the reach of mortal sense, its impres- 
sion on multitudes, till the end of all 
things, is divinely preserved with more 
certainty, than the richest spices that ever 
embalmed the body of Egypt's proudest 
monarch. 

The father of Abigail was Samuel 
Browne. He enjoyed the confidence of 
many friends. His wealth was great ; his 
services and honors were numerous and 
eminent. Her mother bore the same Chris- 
tian name which she did, and was the 
daughter of John Keach, a distinguished 
merchant of Boston. She was called to 
part with this beloved parent, who died 
February 18, 1725, in her 39th year. 
Thus was removed the endeared and con- 
genial support, around which the tendrils 
of her strong affection had entwined them- 
selves, in the hope that they would not be 
so soon broken and withered. But the 
kindness of Omnipotence, which " tempers 



the wind to the shorn lamb," still watched 
over the stricken child. The claspers of 
her love, separated from the mortal part of 
her sainted mother, were divinely revived, 
shot forth in a higher direction, and in- 
separably cleaved to her glorified spirit. 
Such communion, in remembrance of the 
precepts and kindnesses of this parent, in 
desires and anticipations of a speedy re- 
union with her, where no sorrows of sin 
intrude, where the full enjoyment of per- 
fection knows no end, was a consolation to 
the heart of Abigail, above and beyond all 
earthly price. Though the balm of mercy 
was so provided, the occasion was an im- 
pressive lesson to her, that, in this state of 
trial for another world, the young as well 
as the old, must feel the pangs of separa- 
tion from the nearest and dearest relatives. 
The heavy loss, which she sustained, 
may be learned from Cotton Mather, the 
former pastor of Mrs. Browne. He stated 
in a sermon on the decease of this lady, 
that he baptized her nearly forty years 



10 

previously. He added as follows: "Her 
early piety declared her to have the wis- 
dom of that woman, of whom the wise 
man has made this remark, ' A woman that 
fears God, it is she shall be praised.' She 
was highly esteemed by all that knew 
her, and universally loved and honored 
among this people ; but most so by those, 
who best knew her and most conversed 
with her." What an obituary notice ! 
Had it merely said of its subject, she was 
beautiful, talented, accomplished, attractive, 
and took a lead in the fashionable circle, 
it would have represented her as fearfully 
lacking in qualities of character, essential 
to the enjoyment of the endless futurity, 
whose wonders had already opened on her 
enlarged experience. But while it neither 
mentions nor depreciates the proper culture 
of mind and manners, which helps to 
fill up the measure of probation with use- 
fulness, it speaks of a disposition and de- 
portment, that contribute to improve and 
bless life, to mingle the light of hope 



11 

with the shadows of death, and administer 
an entrance on the employments and glory 
of angels. If truly applicable to each of 
you, my dear children, and to me, when 
summoned to leave our temporal attach- 
ments, it will be of far greater worth to us, 
than the costliest monuments ever erected 
to the memory of the dead, who lived 
only for worldly praise and earthly pleas- 
ures. 

Before we accompany the mortal remains 
of Mrs. Browne to their last resting place, 
you would like for me, as you have already 
signified, to notice some events of the 
mournful ceremony. Though remarks 
were made to the collected relatives and 
acquaintances, by the minister, suited to 
impress their minds with the uses of ad- 
versity, and the necessity of preparation 
for their own latter end, yet, in accordance 
with the custom then prevalent, he omit- 
ted to offer a prayer, as afterwards became 
the practice on similar occasions. Gold 
rings, commemorative of the deceased, hat 



12 

bands and scarves, some of the latter for 
females, and gloves for both sexes, were 
liberally distributed. As the usage was 
then, wines and spirits, sugar and spices 
were abundantly prepared, under the mis- 
taken and injurious notion, that they were 
needful for the large assembly. As the 
long train took their way from the resi- 
dence of the departed, to the family tomb 
on the Burying Point, the women, two 
and two, were followed by the men in 
like order. Some of these observances, 
which seem strange to you, were subse- 
quently changed. Those which remain, 
with the addition of devotional service, 
should have their intended effect. They 
are forms, which should so influence our 
purpose and actions as to prove, that a par- 
ticipation in them is far more beneficial, 
than communion with those of thought- 
less feasting and revelry. 

We will now give our attention more 
particularly to Abigail. While blessed with 
a parent, whose great desire, prayer and 



13 



effort were, to have her children not only 
respected in life, but, above all, contin- 
ually and abundantly more fitted for the 
holy and blissful society of heaven, she felt 
herself under great obligation to God for 
such a mercy. When her sensibility was 
wounded by the harsh look, word or neg- 
lect of irritable acquaintances ; when per- 
plexed as to the concerns of even her daily 
routine ; when disappointed in any of her 
anticipated enjoyments, she had a mother, 
to whose ear she could freely relate the 
tale of her sorrows ; to whose fidelity she 
could intrust her secrets, and on whose be- 
nevolent advice she could depend with 
confidence and consolation. When affect- 
ingly reminded of her own mortality by 
the sudden decease of a loved playmate, 
did she ask herself, as is reasonable for 
those of every age, am I prepared for so 
solemn an event ? Then she could hasten 
to this more than friend, and receive instruc- 
tion from her lips. Then she was taught, 
according to her Bible, that by deep sorrow 
2 



14 

for constant deficiency in the perfect ser- 
vice, divinely and justly required of all our 
race ; by an affectionate, grateful and obe- 
dient reliance on the Holy Spirit for growth 
in piety, and on the Saviour for deliverance 
from the condemnation of the law, she 
could have a hope of safety, which was 
able to disarm death of its terrors and cheer 
her with the foretaste of a blessed immor- 
tality. 

Privileges of this kind are of incalculable 
worth. In heaven, where the delusions of 
sin never exist, where the mind no longer 
sees through a glass darkly, but perceives 
every subject, within its range and compre- 
hension, as it really is, they hold a high 
place among the means for training the soui 
to derive its purest pleasure from the duties 
of godliness. How exceedingly desirable 
then it is, that mothers, who exert more 
influence for the weal or woe of their chil- 
dren, than all others, should break from 
every false principle, and, in the broad day- 
light of eternal obligation, guide their off- 



15 

spring to the fear, love, service, protection 
and enjoyment of their heavenly Father ? 
Thanks be to Him, dear children, that you 
have a mother, whose soul is tenderly alive 
to your spiritual and everlasting welfare ; 
whose heart panteth for nothing more, than 
that you may be numbered among the 
lambs of Christ's flock, and be made par- 
takers in the endless benefits of his redemp- 
tion. You do not think so much of this 
now, as you will when called into the eter- 
nal world. I earnestly desire and pray, 
that you may deeply feel your obligations 
to so faithful and worthy a guardian. Re- 
alize how much she has suffered and done 
for your best welfare. Whenever she 
speaks to you of your faults, so that you 
may correct them, be not offended, but sec- 
ond her efforts with your own exertions 
no more to pain her heart with your mis- 
behavior. Whenever she advises you to 
improve your opportunities for study, and to 
be faithful in all the calls of your education, 
feel that she does this from the kindest 



16 

motives, for your benefit, and never cloud 
her anticipations as to your future course, 
by neglect or disobedience. Especially, 
when she points you to the great concerns 
of your souls ; to the claims of the Gospel, 
which would have you remember your Cre- 
ator in the morning of life, heartily comply 
with her instructions, so that you may be 
the crown of her endless rejoicing. This 
do, and you will forever, hereafter, give 
thanks to Him, who sitteth on the throne, 
for the gift of so excellent a parent. 

The obligation so binding on you, 
was wisely discharged by Miss Browne. 
No wonder that she was deeply grieved, 
when her mother was removed to a man- 
sion in the heavens. No doubt her father 
and brothers, amid their own affliction, 
endeavored to alleviate hers with the ten- 
der expressions of sympathy and love. 
However thus desirably consoled, her chief 
consolation was in the promises of the 
Saviour, who had provided the only suffi- 
cient balm for a wounded spirit. 



17 

While so called to pass through the test 
of trial, Abigail had every earthly comfort. 
According to your desire, already expressed, 
we will look back and survey the manner, 
in which she was the partaker of more 
than ordinary enjoyments. While doing 
this, we will keep in mind that a large por- 
tion of the facts adduced, are presented on 
the authority of prevalent fashion among 
our richer inhabitants. 

The mansion, in which Abigail dwelt, 
was one of the most eligible in town. It 
was situated in what is now called Essex 
street, but formerly King street, when our 
fathers were under the government of 
Great Britain, and the " King's Arms" 
were common on the signs of our taverns 
and stores. Its more particular situation 
was on the premises of Market square. 
It was made of wood. Bricks for dwell- 
ing houses, were then unpopular. The 
style of its roof was of the Mansard de- 
cription. The size of its glass for the win- 
dows, was small compared with that even 
3* 



18 

in our present ordinary habitations. As an 
unusual ornament, it presented the spec- 
tator with a well painted exterior, and a 
similar attraction for its inner apartments. 
Instead of side bells, a brass knocker 
was upon the front door, to give notice 
of visitors. The best rooms, of low stud, 
were set off with tapestry and paper hang- 
ings, pictures of persons and landscapes, 
a few looking glasses and carpets of for- 
eign manufacture. In addition to these, 
were other articles, as need or taste had 
provided. When the frosts of winter 
reigned, neither stoves nor coals threw out 
their fervid heat ; but large fire-places, 
with a liberal supply of wood, gave a com- 
fortable reception. While such places 
were fitted with marble hearths and fenders 
in front, they had porcelain tiles on the top 
and sides. The last of these appendages 
contained historical representations, often 
from the Bible, which attracted the notice 
of children and supplied useful materials to 
their memory. On the right and left of 



19 

the fire-places were shovels and tongs, sus- 
tained in their upright position by fastened 
hooks of steel or brass. A still more requi- 
site addition were the andirons to hold the 
fuel, or, as some ancient inventories of es- 
tates have it written, "endirons." While 
the best apartments were so accommodated, 
those not so good, had their cob irons for 
the consumption of spikes, from which 
the corn was shelled. 

The mansion so provided by its owner, 
with the luxuries as well as the necessaries 
of life, was no stranger to the visits of 
men in high official stations. It was here 
that Governor Samuel Shute, in 1716, 
"had a splendid entertainment." 

With regard to the hours of hospitality 
then and since, a marked change has taken 
place. When the social coteries of friend- 
ship were gathered at one of their houses, 
it was early in the afternoon. Tea, at that 
period a rare commodity, was taken at five 
or six o'clock, and at nine o'clock they were 
dispersed and the visitors on their way 



20 

home. They did not convert the night 
into day, nor the day into night, and so 
they escaped the ills of such excess. 

Under regulations of this kind, and with 
all the comforts of wealth, the residence of 
Mr. Browne had strong attractions for his 
daughter. Still she knew, that it could 
not keep her body from the narrow tomb, 
nor her spirit from the boundless expanse 
of eternity. Thankful for its daily contri- 
butions to her enjoyment, she hoped to ex- 
change it for a mansion, indestructible by 
fire or storm or time, and eternal in the 
heavens. 

Among the members of Mr. Browne's 
household, were colored slaves. Then 
human bondage was legally sanctioned in 
our own and other British Provinces. But 
Abigail was influenced by a principle, 
which, however allowing the necessity of 
difference in rank as to mental abilities 
and acquirements, social condition and 
qualifications, regards all mankind, of what- 
ever hue, clime or tongue, as fellow- 



21 

beings, bound to treat each other as free, 
and entitled to mutual benevolence. She 
looked through the medium of divine truth, 
and estimated character and eternal pros- 
pect, not by grades in community, nor by 
outward circumstances, but by the mind 
and heart, as affected by the religion of 
the Messiah in belief and conduct. Such 
judgment, like that of every one, taught at 
his feet, far surmounts the philosophy of 
Jews and Greeks, who closed their ears on 
his precepts, claims and invitations. 

When Miss Browne wished to write her 
relatives in Boston, her letters were forward- 
ed from Salem post-office by a carrier on 
foot. An exercise of this kind with her pen, 
was very useful in waking up her associ- 
ations of thought, and learning her to ex- 
press them with correctness and ease. It is 
worthy of strong commendation, because the 
longer it is practiced, the more it becomes 
the source of the higher sort of amusement, 
and takes the place of idle and injurious 
imaginations. There were no stage- 



22 

coaches, swiftly drawn by horses through 
the town, and steam-cars were not even 
dreamed of, as the bearers of her epistles. 

When she accompanied her parents to 
the capital of this Province, it was in their 
family wagon, of genteel mechanism and 
appearance. The route for an excursion, 
so full of gratification to her taste for rural 
scenery and the interchange of gratulations 
among relatives, was much longer, than it 
has been since. It led through Danvers, 
Lynn and Maiden to Chelsea ferry, whose 
boats conducted them over to Boston. In 
those days, the enterprise of accommoda- 
tions for travel in the civilized world, was 
so restricted, that a bridge from Charles- 
town to the metropolis was considered and 
treated as visionary. 

While abroad among her virtuous con- 
nections, Abigail was not only pleased, but 
acquired profitable information and refine- 
ment. She had been often taught, that 
her manners, impressions and reputation 
depended greatly on associating with those 



23 

of worthy habits, principles and deport- 
ment. She believed this truth and was 
glad to put it in practice. The lily of the 
valley, while in its genial location, is 
comely to your sight and proffers you its 
grateful aroma. But take it away, and 
place it under different influences, it soon 
droops and loses its attractions. So it is 
with early life in its intercourse with the 
good and the evil. The former of these is 
fitted to give it a direction of excellence, 
and the latter, one of self-debasement and 
bitterness. 

Perhaps, dear children, you would like 
for me, as we pass along, to mention the 
fashion of dress in the time of Miss 
Browne, with regard to her sex. Those of 
her condition wore the finer sort of leather, 
silk and satin shoes, with high heels, square 
as well as round toes and buckles. The 
last of these were of solid silver, and some- 
times brass, washed with the former metal. 
Instead of convenient India-rubber shoes, 
they appeared with goloeshoes and pattens 



24 



to guard against the wet. The color of 
hose, whether silk or woolen, was gener- 
ally red, though those of other hues were 
worn. Fans and umbrellas were not abun- 
dant. Parasols were not used. To keep 
off the sun, dust and cold wind from the 
face, masks, suitably fitted, were common. 
Watches were seldom carried by elderly 
ladies, and not at all by their juniors. 
Bonnets of various kinds were in vogue. 
Among them were jockeys and hats of 
satin, and, also, of white and black horse- 
hair. A grace was imparted to them by 
the appendage of waving feathers. Gowns 
were large at the shoulders, had sleeves to 
the elbows, where they were set off with 
ruffles; made deep in the waist, prepared 
for stays; and thence flowed upon the 
ground with great circumference, sustained 
by hoops. Some of such garments opened 
like robes in front, and exhibited nice and 
well wrought skirts, often covered with silk 
or muslin aprons. To cover the hands and 
arms, " white-top lamb gloves " were con- 



25 

siderably worn. Oamblet cloaks appeared 
in their season. They were of light 
colors for the young, and went by the 
name of riding-hood. While observing the 
style of dress, Abigail did not sufFer it to 
become the idol of her affections. She was 
actuated by motives which taught, that 
however propriety of attire was needful, it 
was far less important, than well-trained 
minds and hearts, than the ornament of 
spirit and life, which fit the soul to move 
in circles of celestial perfection. 

Surrounded with ample means, no pains 
nor expense was spared for her education. 
Free schools were not so proportionably 
numerous and elevated, to afford instruc- 
tion to both sexes of children, as now. 
Only such of those were taught at the 
public expense, as had parents unable to 
pay their quarter bills. The privilege of 
girls was far less than that of boys. The 
most of them were learned nothing more 
than to sew, spell and read. Our high 
schools for females, were then unknown, 
3 



26 

The improvement made in this respect, re- 
joices the heart of every friend to the best 
interests of community. Next to true reli- 
gion, intelligence, properly applied, is the 
richest source of happiness. One of the 
most liberal promoters of free education 
among our inhabitants, was the father of 
Miss Browne. Had she lived to inherit 
her large share of his fortune, there is 
cause to believe, that she would have ex- 
hibited similar generosity. In accordance 
with her more than common opportunities 
to learn, she was improved in mind and 
manners. Still, as there has never been 
any royal road to knowledge, and all the 
young, whatever be their condition, must 
begin with the like rudiments and make 
similar application of their talents, in order 
to be delivered from the darkness of igno- 
rance, it may please you to hear of the 
books, studied in her day. 

The first, among them, was the Horn- 
book, so called, because its covers were 
made of horn. Then came the Primer, 



27 

with its precepts in prose and verse, 
partly illustrated with impressive cuts. 
Next the Psalter, containing the Psalms of 
David ; and the Bible, the precious reposi- 
tory of revealed truth. Of the volumes 
for other attainments in Abigail's pupilage, 
was the Arithmetic of Hodder, the Gram- 
mar of Bullokar, and the Geography and 
Astronomy of Moxon. For advancement 
in ornamental work and painting, she had 
convenient opportunity. 

While the powers of her intellect were 
opening to the invitations of knowledge, 
she perceived that such improvement was 
purified, elevated and enriched by the wis- 
dom of Christianity. Experience of this 
sort, led her to deny sympathies and pref- 
erences for human over divine instruction, 
and to choose the discipline of her talents 
and affections, which would train her to 
the love and practice of the Redeemer's 
doctrines. This was indeed walking by 
the true light, which alone can guide us to 
the supply of our mental and spiritual 



28 

necessities, and to conformity with the end 
of our being, the purpose of our continued 
mercies and the unchangeable laws of 
Deity. 

We pass from the schooling of Miss 
Browne, and accompany her to the sanctu- 
ary, where she worshiped. This was the 
first church, standing on the spot selected by 
our venerated fathers for so sacred an occu- 
pancy, and opposite the residence of Hugh 
Peters on the north. It was a high, wood- 
en edifice, with gambrel roof. It had two 
galleries, one over the other. In the front 
of its pulpit was an hour-glass to measure 
time, instead of a clock. The custom of 
seating each sex by itself, and persons ac- 
cording to age, tax and rank, had begun to 
be omitted in her time. The singers sat 
promiscuously among the congregation. 
They sang one line at a time, as it was 
read to them by the ruling elder, without 
the accompaniment of any instrumental 
music. With these customs, she, when 
assembled with others for worship, felt 



29 

that God was present to search and know 
her thoughts, desires and intentions ; that 
he required her so to join in the praises 
and devotions, and so hear the truth of the 
Bible preached, as to grow in scriptural 
knowledge, and be better fitted for the 
duties and events which awaited her. To 
her, the Sabbath was a rest from worldly- 
care, surrounded with hallowed associa- 
tions, which purified and strengthened her 
hope of communion with the redeemed, 
in the temple where Christ is the great 
high priest. The same obligation in kind, 
which she cherished in her heart, should 
lead you, dear children, to spend your sa- 
cred hours, so that they may rise up in the 
day of your final account, and witness that 
you are among the true worshipers. 

With this reflective view of a daughter, 
surrounded by many attractions, it seems 
to most minds, undisciplined in the school 
of piety, as if it must have almost broken 
her heart, when assured that she must bid 
a speedy and perpetual farewell to so goodly 



30 

a heritage. But it was not so with her, 
nor is it so with others, who have learned 
heavenly as well as earthly wisdom. At 
the same time, however, it is sadly true, 
that many, who have sure symptoms of 
approaching death, whether their situation 
be connected with poverty or riches, are 
loth to leave it and enter on the scenes of 
an endless world of happiness or misery. 
I can tell you of a boy, who was near the 
grave. He was an amiable lad, and much 
liked. Still, when thus solemnly situated, 
he was heard to say, thinking himself alone, 
" I can't die ; I do not want to die ; I am 
not fit to die." Ah ! who can describe the 
deep anxiety of his soul ; who does not 
earnestly wish that he had been piously 
educated, and obeyed the commands of his 
Saviour ? We have a very different exam- 
ple in Miss Browne. The instructions of 
the family, school and sanctuary were not 
lost upon her heart, but were sanctified to 
it by the Holy Spirit, so that they shed 
brightness on her passage through the val- 



31 



ley of death and up to the presence of her 
Judge. Hear the record of a hand, long 
since mingled with its kindred dust. 
Though its author be dead, it still speaks 
for his praise and happiness with the bless- 
ed. It gave a title, common in that period 
for daughters of distinguished parents, 
though in their minority. Salem, April 16, 
1729. Died, "Mrs. Abigail Browne, in the 
tenth year of her age. By her dutiful be- 
havior, much endeared to her father, and, 
at her death, discovered a pious inclination 
to depart and be with Christ, which gives 
reason to trust, that she has left the plenti- 
ful estate here, to which she was heiress, 
for a more durable inheritance in a better 
world." What words of consolation to her 
afflicted relatives ! The good hope, that 
departed connections have become partakers 
of a blissful immortality, is the best source 
of comfort to the survivors ; is the most 
efficacious balm to heal the wounds of 
such bitter separations. What a fitting de- 
scription for one, summoned to forsake all 



32 

temporal concerns, and enter on the expe- 
rience of realities without end, and forever 
have the truth opening to her perception, 
that nought but holiness leads to happiness 
— nought but conformity with the image 
of God can ensure communion with Him 
and abounding delight in his presence! 

Would you, dear children, so strongly 
entwined around my heart, die the death 
of the righteous and have your last end 
like theirs, then, as it is divinely and im- 
mutably appointed, you must cherish their 
faith and live their life. Thousands of 
sinful inducements would have you believe, 
that it is too soon for you to discharge so 
reasonable a duty. But give them no 
credit. They allure to betray, and deceive 
to destroy. You look on the animal world. 
You perceive every thing there, which is 
enticed to omit seasonable and suitable 
means for its preservation, come to an un- 
timely end. Take warning from such les- 
sons. If you put aside the messages and 
aids of your Maker, that you may answer 



33 

the great purpose of your existence, time, 
talents, and mercies, you must pay the 
dreadful forfeit. You do not suppose, that 
it is ever too soon to love and obey your 
earthly parents. But your heavenly Father 
has far stronger, far more numerous claims 
on you, than they have, however excellent. 
Be consistent, then. Hearken to his coun- 
sel, while there is accepted time, — " Seek 
me early, and ye shall find me." This do, 
and then each of you may constantly ad- 
dress him with unshaken confidence in his 
promises, 

" And thou wilt turn our wandering feet, 

And thou wilt bless our way ; 
Till worlds shall fade, and faith shall greet 

The dawn of lasting day." 



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